If you are a cheese lover who has ever visited the Czech Republic you will
probably already have heard of Olomoucke syrecky - famous semi-soft cheese
cakes produced in the east of the country for centuries. Some would
describe them as a culinary delight, others, as an acquired taste. Either
way, they are a Czech pub staple and some say you haven't really lived
till you've tried some.

One company that has perhaps done more than any other to popularise the
cheese is AW, a firm with roots going back 130 years. Producing the
Olomoucke tvaruzky brand, it is run by Karel Hlavacek, a descendant of the
original founder Alois Wessels. Mr Hlavacek told Radio Prague it was an
easy decision for him and his family to take up the business following the
fall of communism in 1989. It was at that time that the state-owned firm
was returned to the original owners.

"All of us in the family had childhood memories of when we used to
visit our grandmother who used to make her own 'tvaruzky' and we saw how
it was done. When we got the company back in 1991 of course we had no
experience in the field, but we all brought something different regarding
management."

Over the years, AW went from being a small producer to a major business.
Extensive reconstruction was undertaken to meet EU standards and today the
company produces 2,400 tonnes of the yellow-coloured cheese per year. The
firm is now waiting on a decision by the European Union, expecting to
receive special designation as a regional speciality. And Karel Hlavacek
says he has reasons to be optimistic:

"Our request is now in the final stages of completion in Brussels
and we are optimistic that it will be met. As far as sales go, they are
continuing to go up slowly but steadily. People are beginning to
appreciate the fact that the cheese isn't fattening. Also, there are more
and more recipes now available: you don't have to eat the cheese only with
bread but there are many dishes you can try. The taste and aroma of the
cheese is of course unique. Those are all reasons I think we can be
optimistic for the future of the company."

So, the next time you're in the Czech Republic, consider this great Czech
speciality. Remember: tvaruzky can even be fried, which you may find out
for yourself. If someone else orders them near you, believe me you'll know
soon enough!